Main gallery - filter connection

ABSTRACT

A first pump can withdraw waste fluid from an oil pan reservoir and optionally, can be used to introduce flushing fluid through the oil filter and internal oil lubrication distribution passage system, to recirculate the flushing fluid within the internal oil lubrication distribution passage system, to withdraw the waste flushing fluid from the oil pan reservoir for disposal and storage in an external storage receptacle. An air purge connection is provided for evacuating fluid retained within the oil filter element and any fluid remaining in the internal oil lubrication distribution passage system into the oil pan reservoir prior to withdrawal of the fluid by the first pump. A second pump is provided for supplying fresh motor oil from an external storage receptacle through the oil filter directly to the main gallery of the internal oil lubrication distribution passage system. A special oil filter and drain bracket base, externally or integrally mounted, provides a central, easily accessible location within the engine compartment for connection to the oil changing apparatus and for changing the oil filter element. A drain plug adapter is connectible to the oil pan reservoir to provide connection to the first pump. Methods for removing waste or spent fluid and introducing fresh fluid through the oil filter element and internal oil lubrication distribution passage system, and for introducing, recirculating and removing flushing fluid from the internal oil lubrication distribution passage system are also disclosed.

This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 07/516,243, filedApr. 27, 1990, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,398.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an apparatus for changing motor oil in aninternal combustion engine having an oil pan or similar oil reservoir.Such reservoirs can be found in automobiles, trucks, tractors, heavyearth moving equipment, military equipment, or the like. Moreparticularly, this invention relates to methods in which spent or dirtyoil is expediently removed from the oil pan, the lubrication passagesthereafter optionally flushed with flushing fluid to removecontaminants, and then the lubrication system is refilled through theoil filter and lubrication passages with fresh motor oil to leave afresh engine oil lubricant film before engine is started.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The benefits of routine oil changes in an internal combustion engine arewell known. Routine oil changes have been shown to increase engine lifeand performance. With repeated prolonged use, motor oil builds upsuspended particles, metallic and non-metallic, from the abrasive andadhesive wear of engine parts against one another and from products ofincomplete combustion and improper air intake. The particles in turncause abrasive wear of the engine bearings, piston rings and othermoving parts and the reduction of the motor oil lubricity as variousadditives and lubricating components become depleted. This adverselyaffects engine performance and, if left unchanged, can destroy orcripple the engine performance.

It is recommended by at least one oil manufacturer that the level oftotal solid concentration be limited to levels below 3.0%; with levelsof silica being present in amounts lower than 25 parts per million, andsodium in amounts lower than 200 parts per million. To obtainsatisfactory engine performance, and maintain solids concentrationlevels in the motor oil lower than the recommended 3.0%, changing themotor oil in an internal combustion engine is a necessary, but anundesirable, dirty and time-consuming task.

In currently designed vehicles, the oil pan serves the purpose of areservoir for circulation of engine oil. Engine lubrication is generallyaccomplished through a gear-type pump. The pump picks up engine oil fromthe oil pan sump, where oil is drawn up through the pick-up screen andtube, and passed through the pump to the oil filter. The oil filter isgenerally a full flow unit containing a paper element.

In some vehicles, an oil filter bypass is used to insure adequate oilsupply, should the filter become plugged or develop excessive pressuredrop. Oil is routed from the filter to the main oil gallery. The oilgallery supplies valve train components with oil, and by means ofintersecting passages, supplies oil to the cam shaft bearings and othermoving parts. Oil draining back from the rocker arms is directed, bycast dams in the crank case casting, to supply the cam shaft lobes. Oilalso drains past specific hydraulic lifter flats to oil cam shaft lobesdirectly.

The passages supplying oil to the cam shaft bearings also supply thecrank shaft main bearings through intersecting passages. Oil from thecrank shaft main bearings is supplied to the connecting rod bearings bymeans of intersecting passages in the crank shaft. The front cam bearingcan include a slot on its outside diameter to supply oil to the camsprocket thrust face. In some engines, many internal engine parts haveno direct oil feed and are supplied either by gravity or splash fromother direct feed components. A bypass valve can also be disposed in theoil pick-up screen to insure adequate oil flow if the screen shouldbecome restricted. A pressure regulator valve, sometimes located in theoil pump body, maintains adequate pressure for the lubrication systemand bypasses any excess back to the suction side of the pump. Oil fromthe pump passes through the filter before going to the engine oilgalleries. In the filter, the oil passes through a filtering elementwhere dirt and foreign particles are entrapped.

To remove the contaminated oil, the drain plug, generally located in thelowermost region of the oil pan, is opened. The spent oil containingsuspended particles is conventionally permitted to flow under gravityout of the pan into a suitable receptacle. After the spent oil isremoved, the plug is replaced and fresh oil is added to the engine;usually through a separate opening in the engine valve cover. Theprocess of gravity drainage does not remove all of the spent oil withits metallic and non-metallic particles which stick to the oil pancontainer walls, as well as engine components such as the crank shaft,connecting rods, pistons and the like which are exposed to the motor oilspray lubrication. These particles remain to be mixed with fresh motoroil. Thus the concentration of contaminants is lowered by dilution andonly a part of the total contaminates are actually eliminated.

The oil change process is essentially the same whether performed athome, at service stations or at one of the various oil change centerswhich have opened in recent years. The flow rate, or time required foroil drainage, is the same for each of these locations, because it islimited by the size of the drain plug aperture and the force of gravity.Service stations and other locations simplify the process of oildrainage with the use of hydraulic racks, special oil collectionreceptacles and the like.

However, this specialized and expensive equipment is not readilyavailable to the typical car or truck owner who may wish to change theoil in his vehicle. It has been estimated that the retail market of oilis approximately 2.83 billion quarts or approximately 700 milliongallons. The do-it-yourself individual has been found to be pricesensitive, and tends to distrust the quality of service stations andother oil change centers. The do-it-yourself individual typicallybelieves that if you want a job done right, you do it yourself. However,the current design of vehicles does not lend itself to do-it-yourselfoil changes in a convenient clean and effortless manner. Many vehicleshave low ground clearance making it difficult to access the oil drainplug for removal of the spent oil, and also making it difficult tocollect the oil without contaminating the surrounding environment.

Environmental protection is a prominent social issue in our presentsociety. Therefore, it would be desirable to encourage do-it-yourselfoil changers to perform this type of task in an environmentally safemanner. It is estimated that there are approximately 119 millionprivately owned passenger vehicles. These vehicles require approximately360 million oil changes a year, using an average of 1.2 gallons perchange based on an average oil change frequency of 2.94 times a year.This amounts to approximately 550 million gallons of motor oil a year.Of this amount, it is estimated that 70% of motor oil is installed bymotorists themselves.

It is believed that pursuant to present practice, the spent oil drainedby motorists finds its way into spent household containers, such as milkcartons. The household containers are closed and disposed of in thegarbage which can and will finally find its way into the local wastedump. As the household container deteriorates, the oil and itscontaminants will eventually seep into the surrounding ground waterbelow the dump site. It has been estimated that 300 million gallons ofoil a year seep into U.S. soil creating serious potential ground waterpollution problems. It would be desirable environmentally andeconomically if this oil could be collected and recycled. In order tomotivate the do-it-yourself market, it is desirable in the presentinvention to make the collection of oil during oil changes effortless,clean and inexpensive.

Conservation of energy and the trade deficit are also major issues intoday's society. It is estimated that 250 to 360 million gallons ofspent oil could currently be easily collected and profitably recycled orre-refined. The price of spent oil thus collected is four dollars perbarrel at best, while the price of crude oil is much greater;approximately $18.00 per barrel. Recycling easily collected spent oilcould decrease the trade deficit by approximately 120 million dollars,while providing a profitable recycling economy of approximately 86million dollars per year.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a method which acceleratesremoval of spent oil completely and easily from the crank case. It wouldalso be desirable to provide a system which reduces the amount of spentoil handling required in the conventional oil change service station.Further, it would be desirable to provide a system which accelerates theoil changing process by feeding all fluids passing through the oilfilter directly into the main gallery of the oil lubrication system.Further, it would be desirable to empty the oil passages of the oldengine oil. It would also be desirable to empty the oil filterautomatically before it is discarded and to have the new oil filter fullof fresh engine oil before the engine is started. Furthermore, it wouldbe desirable to coat the oil passages with fresh engine oil film beforethe engine is started. Finally, it is desirable to provide a methodwhich could be easily employed by all vehicle owners at convenientlocations with all the benefits of the method of the present inventionsuch as time savings, money savings, convenience, minimum exposure tomotor oil, motor oil vapors, environmental protection, energyconservation, trade deficit reduction, and finally longer lasting,better performing engines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes an apparatus external and separable fromthe internal combustion engine. The external device would be operablyconnectible to fresh oil storage means, flushing fluid storage means,waste oil storage means and spent flushing fluid storage means. Theexternal apparatus preferably includes air purge means for purging fluidretained with the oil filter element and any fluid remaining in thelubrication system passages of the internal combustion engine, such thatall waste fluid can be deposited within the oil pan reservoir prior toevacuation of the waste fluid by suitable pump means. The pump means ofthe external apparatus draws waste fluid from the oil pan reservoir fordeposit in the appropriate waste storage means. In addition, the pumpmeans is connectible to an optional flushing fluid reservoir forpressurized delivery through the pump means, oil filter element, andlubrication system passages of the internal combustion engine.Furthermore, suitable valve connections are provided for drawingflushing fluid from the oil pan reservoir for recirculation through thepump means, external filtering means, and for pressurized delivery tothe special oil filter element of the internal combustion engine andthereafter flowing through the lubrication system passages of theinternal combustion engine before re-accumulating in the oil panreservoir for subsequent recirculation a desired.

Upon completion of the optional flushing cycle, the valves can beoperated to draw the flushing fluid from the oil pan reservoir throughthe pump means for deposit in the external waste flushing fluid storagemeans. After evacuation of the optional flushing fluid, the pump meanscan be connected to the fresh oil storage means for pressurized deliveryof fresh motor oil through the oil filter element directly to the maingallery of the lubrication system passages of the internal combustionengine until the appropriate amount of fresh motor oil has beendelivered to the internal combustion engine.

The present invention also includes tapping into the outlet of the oilpump where the oil filter would normally be disposed, to allowrelocation of the oil filter assembly to preferably a verticalorientation. The old oil filter mounting location provides passages withexternal openings adapted to receive hose or metallic tubularconnections. The hose or metallic tubular connections allow oil filterrelocation to a more convenient position within the engine compartment,if necessary. More particularly, these plumbing connections provide adirect connection from the previously located oil filter aperture to thenew oil filter location. The fluid flow is then carried through the oilfilter and taps directly into the main gallery passage of the oillubrication system. These connections eliminate unnecessary plumbingdistance previously taught in U.S. application Ser. No. 07/516,243 filedApr. 27, 1990, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,398. Further, the elimination ofthis plumbing directly eliminates the force of pressure required to pumpthe oil through the system.

An adapter of the present invention is an oil filter base with mountingbracket. This oil filter base is adapted to receive a special oil filterelement and includes internal passages with external openings adapted toreceive the plumbing connections from the oil filter mounting adapter.The base preferably includes a mounting bracket, external or cast,adapted to be vertically mounted in any convenient location within theengine compartment. Preferably, this location is chosen, such that thespecial oil filter is vertically oriented and is readily accessible forease of replacement during oil changing operations. In addition, in itspreferred form, this special oil filter base includes additionalinternal passages and external openings adapted to receive plumbingconnections and/or quick connect couplings for connection to theexternal apparatus portion of the present invention. As a furtheroption, this special oil filter base may include an internal passage andexternal openings to centrally locate all the points of coupling to theexternal apparatus of the present invention, including, a plumbingconnection in fluid communication with a drain plug adapter, which willbe described in greater detail below.

A third adapter of the present invention is a drain plug adapter. Thedrain plug adapter is in fluid communication with the lowermost portionof the oil pan reservoir and includes internal passages and externalopenings adapted to receive a plumbing connection. The drain plugadapter is connectible to the drain plug aperture in the lowermostregion of the oil pan reservoir and includes two external aperturesinterconnected with one another. One external aperture can receive theoriginal drain plug of the internal combustion engine or other suitabledrain plug, while the other external aperture is adapted to receive apipe or hose connection leading to the special oil filter base.

In operation, the present invention provides a method for quickly andefficiently removing waste oil from an internal combustion engine,replenishing the lubrication system of an internal combustion enginewith fresh oil, and optionally prior to replenishing the engine withfresh oil, flushing the lubrication system, including the internalpassages of the engine, with a flushing fluid to remove contaminantsthereby providing a cleaner environment for the fresh oil to beintroduced in the engine.

Additionally, the present invention provides purging of fluid from thespecial oil filter element of the internal combustion engine withpressurized gaseous means and preferably air means. Furthermore, allfluid introduced into the internal combustion engine first flows throughthe oil filter element of the internal combustion engine and then passesthrough the lubrication passages within the internal combustion engineprior to accumulating within the oil pan reservoir of the internalcombustion engine. This provides expedient and efficient means forpurging old fluid from the oil filter element and the oil passages,flushing contaminants from the internal passages of the lubricationsystem during the optional flushing cycle, and prelubricating thelubrication system of internal passages within the internal combustionengine and recharging the special oil filter with fresh oil during thefresh oil introduction phase before starting the engine.

Other modifications, characteristics, features and benefits of thepresent invention will become apparent upon reading the followingdetailed description of the invention in conjunction with the attacheddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following drawings, like reference numerals refer to like partsthroughout the various views, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an oil change apparatus according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of an oil filter mounting adapter according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional, view of the oil filter mounting adaptertaken along the line 3--3 line as shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the oil filter mounting adapter according tothe present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a special oil filter bracket and drainmounting bracket according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the special oil filter and drain mountingbracket;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the special oil filter and drain mountingbracket;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view, of the special oil filter and drainmounting bracket taken along the 8--8 line as shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the special oil filter and drainmounting bracket taken along the line 9--9 line as shown in FIG. 7; and

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a drain plug adapter according tothe present invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a diesel engine connected to an oilchange apparatus of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the special oil filter according tothe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The basic process of the present invention can be employed successfullywith internal combustion engines having oil reservoirs and internal oillubrication distribution passage systems. The term "internal oillubrication distribution passage system" is defined as, but not limitedto, the machined or cast passages and circulation systems present in theengine block, cylinder head, crank shaft, cam shaft and connecting rods.Various engines will have differing lubrication requirements, andtherefore, it is to be understood that every engine may not have thepassages and circulation systems in all the enumerated components.

The present invention includes an oil changing apparatus, generallydesignated as 10, which is separable from an internal combustion enginegenerally designated as 12. The external, separable oil change apparatuscan be seen schematically on the left hand side of FIG. 1, while theinternal combustion engine 12 is shown schematically on the right handside of FIG. 1.

As will be described in greater detail below, the present invention mayinclude one or more plumbing adapters connected to the internalcombustion engine 12 to facilitate proper connection of the external oilchanging apparatus 10 to the lubrication system of the internalcombustion engine 12. The one or more adapters may include an oil filtermounting adapter 14, a special oil filter element 17 and drain mountingbracket 16 and a drain plug adapter 18. One or more of these adaptersmay be required to modify existing internal combustion engines for usewith the oil changing apparatus of the present invention. However, it isenvisioned that at some point in time manufacturer's may modify theconfiguration of internal combustion engines to provide the appropriatecoupling connections as required for the present invention as originalequipment manufacturer's optional or standard equipment. Specifically,it is envisioned that the internal combustion engine may be modified toaccommodate direct coupling from the oil filter directly to the main oilgallery by providing tapping into the main gallery at a proper place toaccommodate the present invention. Therefore, in its broadest sense, thepresent invention may not require the adapters disclosed in thisapplication, but rather only requires a coupling connection in fluidcommunication with the inlet to the filter and to the lowermost portionof the oil pan reservoir. A filter coupling connection is provided inthe present embodiment and is in fluid communication with the internaloil lubrication distribution passage system, preferably tapped directlyinto the main gallery of the lubrication system. It is also preferablethat the coupling connections be provided with quick connect couplingsas is conventional and known in the art.

As can best be seen in FIG. 12 of the drawings, the filter element 17comprises a base 300 which includes an appropriately threaded portion302 which is adapted to securely and sealingly couple the filter element17 to the appropriate oil filter mounting adapter. The oil filterelement 17 includes a housing 304 which encloses a conventional filter306 mounted to a positive check valve 19 which is, in turn, supported bya coupling plate 308. The check valve 19 includes a spring biased valvemember 310 which is normally biased to the closed position. The couplingplate 308 has a plurality of apertures 312 which are normally closedfrom fluid communication between the bottom of the filter element 17 andthe interior chamber 314 within which the filter 306 is mounted andwhich is defined by the housing 304. The apertures 312 are normallyclosed from fluid communication with the chamber 314 by an annularflexible lip-type seal 316 which is normally biased downwardly intoengagement with the coupling plate 308 such as to normally closecommunication through the apertures 312. During normal operation, oilflows upwardly through the apertures 312 under pressure opening the lipseal 316 and communicating with the interior chamber 314 of the filterelement 17. Normal flow of the fluid is radially inwardly through thefilter 30 into the interior thereof and under sufficient pressure so asto open the normally biased valve seat 310 and then downwardly andoutwardly through the bottom exhaust port of the filter element 17. Thefilter element 17 also includes a bypass check valve 318 which functionsin the conventional manner to open and permit oil to bypass the filterelement 306 when the same becomes clogged beyond a predetermined amount.

The valves 19 and 316 both function to permit oil to normally flow intoand out of the filter during normal operation of the engine. The biasingeffect of the lip seal 316 and the spring-biased valve 310 is such thatthese valves will open under pressure which is slightly greater than theforce of gravity. Normally, these valves will be in the closed positionso that no oil will leak out from the interior chamber 314 of the filterelement 17 or from the interior chamber 322 of the filter element 306after the filter element 17 is removed from its associated mountingbracket.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the oil changing apparatus 10 of the presentinvention is connectible to a plurality of external storage means. Thestorage means may include a waste oil storage receptacle 20 and a freshmotor oil supply receptacle 22. In an optional configuration, thestorage means may also include a flushing fluid supply receptacle 24 anda waste flushing fluid storage receptacle 26.

The oil changing apparatus 10 also includes a connection to a source ofcompressed air, such as pump 29. The connection to the source ofcompressed air is controlled by appropriate valve means 28, for openingand closing the communication of the compressed air with the oilchanging apparatus 10. Of course, it is recognized that the pressure atwhich the compressed air is supplied through the oil changing apparatusmust be controlled so that excessive pressure is not delivered to theinternal oil lubrication distribution passage system of the internalcombustion engine. It should be recognized that the appropriate controlcircuitry for regulating the pressure of the compressed air is wellknown to those skilled in the art of compressed air delivery systems andis commercially available. It should also be noted that the compressedair delivered to the internal oil lubrication distribution passagesystem should be clean and appropriately dried so that minimum watervapor is introduced into the internal oil lubrication distributionpassage system which could thereby cause problems with rust anddegradation of the oil to be introduced into the internal oillubrication distribution passage system of the internal combustionengine.

The oil changing apparatus 10 also includes pump means for evacuatingfluid from the internal combustion engine and for introducing fluid intothe internal oil lubrication distribution passage system of the internalcombustion engine. The pump means may also be used for recirculatingfluid within the internal combustion engine by drawing fluid from theinternal combustion engine fluid reservoir and discharging that fluidthrough the pump means into the internal oil lubrication distributionpassage system.

As depicted schematically in FIG. 1, the pump means may include a firstpump 30 for drawing spent oil from the oil reservoir of the internalcombustion engine 12 for discharge into the waste oil storage means 20.The pump means may also include a second pump 32 for introducing freshmotor oil from the fresh motor oil storage receptacle 22 into theinternal oil lubrication distribution passage system of the internalcombustion engine 12. Optionally, through appropriate valve means, thefirst pump 30 can be interconnected for supplying flushing fluid from aflushing fluid supply receptacle 24 into the internal oil lubricationdistribution passage system, and once an appropriate amount of flushingfluid has been introduced into the internal combustion engine 12, thefirst pump 30 can be configured by the appropriate valve means forrecirculating the flushing fluid from the internal combustion enginereservoir through the internal oil lubrication distribution passagesystem. In addition, through the appropriate setting of the valve means,the first pump 30 can be configured to draw the spent flushing fluidfrom the reservoir of the internal combustion engine 12 for dischargeinto the waste flushing fluid storage receptacle 26.

When recirculated flushing fluid operations are desired, it ispreferable to include a filter unit 34 on the discharge side of pump 30to filter fluid being recycled back into the internal oil lubricationdistribution passage system of the internal distribution engine 12 toremove suspended particles being carried in the flushing fluid streamprior to reentering the internal combustion engine. The external filter34 may be sized appropriately for the internal combustion engine beingflushed, for example it may be desirable in automotive internalcombustion engines to remove particles having a size equal to or greaterthan 5 microns. However, it should be recognized that the filtrationcharacteristics of the filter 34 can be modified to the extent desiredby the operator without adversely effecting the operation of the oilchanging apparatus 10 of the present invention. It should also berecognized that through appropriate valve and fluid conduit meansarrangements, the present invention can be modified to operate with onlyone pump, rather than a two pump configuration as schematically shown inFIG. 1. However, the two-pump configuration is the preferredconfiguration of the present invention since it isolates the fresh motoroil from the major portion of the fluid passage conduits used forremoval of the waste oil and, optional flushing fluid introduction andrecycling portions of the oil change apparatus 10.

The valve means can include a plurality of directional flow controlvalves. As shown in FIG. 1, the directional flow control valves aredesignated 36, 38, 40 and 42. Each of these directional flow controlvalves is operable to divert flow from a first direction indicated byarrow A to a second direction indicated by arrow B.

In operation, the internal combustion engine 12 is brought intoproximity with the oil changing apparatus 10. A fluid conduit hose witha first quick connect coupling 46 is connected to the appropriate outletconnection of the internal combustion engine 12 for drawing fluid fromthe reservoir of the internal combustion engine 12. Another hose with asecond quick connect coupling 48 is connected to the appropriateconnection of the internal combustion engine 12 for introducing fluidinto the internal combustion engine 12 through the filter element and,finally, into the internal oil lubrication distribution passage systemof the internal combustion engine 12 for subsequent accumulation in theoil pan reservoir of the internal combustion engine 12.

Directional flow control valve 36 is actuated to provide flow in thearrow A direction and valve means 28 is actuated to introducepressurized air into the system to purge fluid from the special oilfilter element 17 and an optionally installed oil cooler 89 therebycausing the residual spent oil retained within the special oil filterelement 17 (and the cooler 89, if used) to be discharged through theinternal oil lubrication distribution passage system to the oil panreservoir of the internal combustion engine 12. The check valve 44prevents pressurized air from entering the second pump 32 and the freshoil supply receptacle 22.

After completing the purging operation, control valve 28 is de-activatedor closed to stop delivery of the compressed air. Directional flowcontrol valve 38 is then operated to provide flow in the arrow Adirection. Directional flow control valve 40 is also actuated to provideflow of fluid in the arrow A direction. In addition, directional flowcontrol valve 42 is actuated to provide flow in the arrow A direction.

Pump 30 is then energized to draw fluid from the oil pan reservoir ofthe internal combustion engine 12 for discharge into the spent oilstorage receptacle 20. After the oil pan reservoir of the internalcombustion engine 12 has been emptied, the pump 30 is de-energized. Thefilter element of the internal combustion engine 12 can be removed andreplaced with a clean filter element during or after the emptying cycleas that has no effect on the emptying operation. Fresh oil can then beintroduced into the internal oil lubrication distribution passage systemby actuating directional flow control valve 36 to allow flow in thearrow A direction if required. Pump 32 is then energized to draw freshmotor oil from receptacle 22 for discharge into the internal combustionengine 12 through the oil filter element directly into the main gallery65 of internal oil lubrication distribution passage system foraccumulation in the oil pan reservoir of the internal combustion engine12.

When an adequate amount of fresh motor oil has been delivered to theinternal combustion engine 12 by the pump 32, the pump 32 isde-energized. The quick disconnect couplings 46 and 48 are thendisconnected from the internal combustion engine 12. The internalcombustion engine 12 is now ready for normal use with the oil filterelement being precharged with fresh oil and engine components and oilpassages prelubricated prior to starting the engine.

If optional flushing of the internal oil lubrication distributionpassage system is desired, this would preferably occur after removal ofthe spent oil from the internal combustion engine and prior toreplacement of the old filter element with a new filter element. Afterremoval of the spent oil from the internal combustion engine 12, the oilchanging apparatus 10 is reconfigured using the valve means to introduceflushing fluid into the internal oil lubrication distribution passagesystem. Directional flow control valve 36 is operated to provide flow inthe direction of arrow B. Directional flow control valve 38 is alsooperated to provide flow in the direction of arrow B. In addition,directional flow control valve 40 is actuated to provide flow in thedirection of arrow B. This provides fluid passage means for pump 30 todraw flushing fluid from receptacle 24 for delivery to the internal oillubrication distribution passage system.

Once an appropriate amount of flushing fluid has been introduced intothe internal combustion engine 12, pump 30 is de-energized temporarilyto reconfigure the valves. The flushing fluid disposed within theinternal combustion engine 12 can then be recirculated through theinternal oil lubrication distribution passage system by operatingdirectional flow control valve 38 to provide for flow in the directionof arrow A. This provides a closed loop recycling system for flushingthe splashed component and the internal oil lubrication distributionpassage system including the oil cooler 89 if present within the systemand main gallery 65 of the internal combustion engine 12 for as long asis deemed necessary by the oil changing apparatus operator.

Preferably, as previously mentioned, an external filter 34 is providedin the recirculating line to remove particles and other contaminantsflushed from the internal oil lubrication distribution passage systemand the oil cooler 89 of the internal combustion engine 12. However, itshould be recognized that this is an additional precaution, since therecirculating flushing fluid is delivered from the pump 30 through theoil filter element of the internal combustion engine 12. Therefore, thefilter element of the internal combustion engine 12 would remove aportion, if not all, of the contaminants passing therethrough prior tore-entering the internal oil lubrication distribution passage system.For this reason, it is preferable to replace the old filter element ofthe internal combustion engine 12 after the optional flushing operationshave been completed. When it is determined by the system operator thatthe recirculated flushing operation has continued for a sufficientperiod of time to clean the internal oil lubrication distributionpassage system to the degree desired, the pump 30 is de-energizedtemporarily while reconfiguring the valve means.

In order to evacuate the spent flushing fluid from the oil pan reservoirof the internal combustion engine 12, valve 36 is operated to providefor a flow in the direction of arrow A. Valve 40 is also operated toprovide for flow in the direction of arrow A. Valve means 28 is thenactuated to supply pressurized air for purging fluid from the filterelement of the internal combustion engine 12. Fluid is forced out of thefilter element by the clean compressed air and passes through theinternal oil lubrication distribution passage system of the internalcombustion engine 12 prior to being deposited in the oil pan reservoirof the internal combustion engine 12.

After completing the purging operation, valve means 28 is actuated toclose off the supply of compressed air to the oil changing apparatus 10.Pump 30 is then energized to draw fluid from the oil pan reservoir ofthe internal combustion engine 12 for discharge into the spent flushingfluid storage receptacle 26 through directional control valve 42 whichhas been operated to provide for flow in the direction of arrow B. Afterevacuation of the flushing fluid from the internal combustion engine 12is complete, the remaining steps of the oil changing procedure arecompleted as previously described. If desired, the system is configuredto permit draining and purging to be done concurrently.

The flushing fluid introduced is any material or composition which iscompatible with motor oil and exhibits suitable detergency and cleaningcharacteristics but is inert to the oil pan, gaskets, and associatedengine components. It is also preferable that the flushing fluid providesufficient lubricity or sheeting action to enhance the sheeting actionof the flushing fluid dislodging particulate contaminants and carryingthem with the flushing fluid as it flows under gravity back to the oilpan. The flushing fluid employed is, preferably, one which is compatiblewith engine oil and is not detrimental in any subsequent waste oilrecycling processes and one which does not deposit undesirable residualconstituents which adhere to oil pan surfaces and engine components.

In the preferred embodiment, the flushing fluid employed in the presentinvention consists essentially of a hydrocarbon compatible with engineoil, a compatible detergent capable of improving the detergency of theflushing fluid and a lubricating additive capable of enhancing thesheeting action of the flushing fluid.

The hydrocarbon employed in the preferred embodiment is an organic fluidselected from the group consisting of high flash point kerosene andmixtures thereof. The flash point of the kerosene is preferably aboveabout 150° F. It is to be understood that other fluids having similarcharacteristics to high flash point kerosene may be employed in addmixture or substituted in the flushing fluid.

The detergent employed in the present invention is an organic fluidselected from the group consisting of butyl cellosolve, Dowfaxsurfactants, and mixtures thereof. These and similar surfactants areemployed in sufficient concentration to provide detergency in theflushing fluid.

The lubricating additive employed in the flushing fluid is, preferably,a methyl ester having a carbon chain between 12 and 20 carbon atoms ormixtures of such methyl esters in an amount sufficient to providelubricity and sheeting action to the flushing fluid.

In including the lubricating additive in the flushing fluid of thepresent invention, it was believed that the lubricating additive wouldimpart characteristics which would increase the sheeting action andcleaning characteristics of the flushing fluid. It has been found, quiteunexpectedly that the flushing fluid of the present invention alsoimparts a residual surface lubricity, which is advantageous in that itprovides preliminary lubricant to the engine parts as newly added freshmotor oil is added and circulated through the crank case.

While a certain amount of residual spent oil and contaminants areremoved merely by the mechanical scrubbing action of the circulatedflushing fluid, additional amounts can be dissolved or removed due tothe sheeting action of the flushing fluid as it trickles down the enginecomponents to the oil pan reservoir, and due to the chemical interactionbetween the residual spent oil and the flushing fluid.

A special oil filter mounting bracket adapter is shown in FIGS. 2-4. Theoil filter mounting adapter 14 is generally referred to as a spin ontype adapter. The oil filter mounting adapter 14 has a generallycircular first face 50. The first face 50 includes an O-ring groove 52spaced inwardly from the outer periphery of the circular first face 50.Spaced inwardly from the O-ring groove 52 is a first fluid passage 54.The first fluid passage is in communication with a first external outlet56 adapted to receive a hose connection fitting for attachment to afirst hose or metallic tube 62 as seen in FIG. 1.

An internally threaded second fluid passage 58 is disposed generally inthe center of the circular first face 50. The interior threads of thesecond fluid passage 58 permit the oil filter mounting adapter 14 to bethreadingly engaged with the oil filter mounting boss normally locatedon the engine block of an internal combustion engine 12. The secondfluid passage 58 blocks the normal fluid flow of the engine oil throughwhat was once the oil filter location. The oil filter mounting adapter14 and associated hose or metallic tubular plumbing permits relocationof the oil filter to a convenient location within the enginecompartment. Fluid is generally delivered from the oil pump within theinternal combustion engine through the first fluid passage 54 andassociated hose or metallic tubular plumbing to the oil filter element.After passing through the oil filter element, fluid is returned to theinternal combustion engine through the second hose or metallic tubularplumbing 64 as described in greater detail below.

This special oil filter and drain mounting bracket 16 is shown in detailin FIGS. 5-9. The mounting bracket 16 includes a filter mount portion 66and a support bracket portion 68. The filter mount portion 66 includes athreaded nipple 70 for spinning on the filter element. The threadednipple 70 is in fluid communication with a generally centrally disposedfluid passage 72 having a threaded external opening 74 adapted toreceive a hose or metallic tubular connection fitting for attachment tosecond hose or metallic tube 64. The mounting bracket 16 preferablyorients the special oil filter element 17 in an upright verticalorientation. As hereinbefore indicated, the oil filter element 17preferably comprises positive check valves 19 and 316 to prevent oilbackflow into the oil changing apparatus 10 (FIG. 12).

Disposed around threaded nipple 70 is an annular fluid passage groove 76in fluid communication with a threaded external opening 78 adapted toreceive a hose or metallic tubular connection fitting for attachment tofirst hose or metallic tube 62. First hose or tube 62 is also in fluidcommunication with a quick connect coupling for attachment to theexternal oil changing apparatus 10 of the present invention. The fluidconnection to the first hose or tubing 62 can be made anywhere along thelength of the fluid passage between the special mounting bracket and theengine block, however, the preferred embodiment of the present inventionprovides a second external opening 80 in fluid communication with theannular fluid passage groove 76 of the special mounting bracket 16.

The second external opening 80 is adapted to receive a portion of thequick connect coupling which can be mounted on the special mountingbracket providing a conveniently located support for connection to theexternal oil changing apparatus 10. It should be apparent that thesecond external opening 80 must be adequately sealed during operation ofthe internal combustion engine 12. It is envisioned that the quickcoupling connection attached to the second external opening 80 would beof the self-sealing type, such that when the separable external oilchanging apparatus 10 is not connected to the internal combustion engine12, the portion of the quick coupling connection attached to theexternal opening 80 would be self-sealed, or in the alternative could beprovided with an appropriate sealing end cap or plug.

Optionally, the filter mount portion 66 of the mounting bracket 16 canalso include a third fluid passage 82 with first and second externalopenings 84 and 86 respectively. The first external opening 84 of thethird fluid passage 82 is adapted to receive a hose or metallic tubularconnection fitting for connection to a third hose or metallic tube 88.The opposite end of the third hose or tube 88 is connected to a drainplug adapter 18 which will be described in greater detail below.

The second external opening 86 of the third fluid passage 82 is adaptedto receive a portion of a second quick connect coupling for attachmentto the external oil changing apparatus 10. As previously described, thequick connect couplings 46 and 48 are known in the art and commerciallyavailable. Preferably, each quick connect coupling 46 and 48 isseparable into two portions, one of which is permanently mounted in theengine compartment and preferably self-sealing. The other portion of thequick connect couplings 46 and 48 is connected to the hose linesextending from the external oil changing apparatus 10 providingconnections between the apparatus 10 and the internal combustion engine12. This configuration of the mounting bracket 16 is the preferredembodiment, since it provides a central location for all connections tothe external oil changing apparatus 10 and also supports the filterelement in the same central location in a readily accessible positionfor easy replacement.

Second fluid passage 58 is blocked, preventing oil flow from the oilfilter through the oil filter mounting adapter 14 and pumped into theinternal oil lubrication distribution passage system. In the preferredembodiment, second hose or metallic tube 64 extends from the oil filterand drain mounting bracket 16 and is tapped directly into the maingallery 65 or corresponding suitable openings of the oil lubricationgalleries of the engine block. Metallic tubing is preferably used forplumbing couplings 62, 64, 88. Fins 63 (FIG. 1) extend between tubing62, 64, 88 and aid in cooling the engine oil between the inlet andoutlet of the engine. Fins 63 also function to attach and hold tubing62, 64, 88 in place. The added cooling of the engine oil improves theperformance of the engine while decreasing oil degradation.

This embodiment may also be employed during an oil change operation of adiesel engine. With reference to FIG. 11, a diesel engine is shownschematically at 200. Main gallery 210 is provided with an opening 212for coupling of second hose or tubing 64. As the main gallery 210 isused to lubricate the diesel engine 200 during operation, it isadvantageous to refill new engine oil directly into the gallery 210.

In both of the above systems, it is important to note that the couplingof the second hose or tubing 64 into the main gallery 65, 210 aids inproper distribution of the new engine oil while eliminating excess forcerequired to pump the oil through the system.

A drain plug adapter 18 is shown in FIG. 10. The drain plug adapter 18includes a body member 90 having a central through bore 92 extendingtherethrough and a branch through bore 94 which is in fluidcommunication with central through bore 92 and is angularly orientatedthereto. Branch through bore 94 may have an externally threaded malefirst end 96 adapted to matingly engage within the internally threadedfemale aperture 98 formed in the bottom of the oil pan reservoir of theinternal combustion engine 12.

In the alternative, an internally threaded end of branch bore 94 may beadapted to receive a portion of an externally threaded male connectingmember therein. The connecting member may include a first externallythreaded region adapted to be threadingly received in the internallythreaded end of branch bore 94 and a second externally threaded regionadapted to be threadingly received in the drain plug opening 98 of theoil pan reservoir of the internal combustion engine 12. To facilitateattachment of the drain plug adapter 18 in the drain plug opening 98,the connecting member may have a centrally positioned square orhexagonal shaped portion adapted to be engaged by known tools forturning the connecting member to threadingly engage within the aperture98 of the oil pan reservoir and branch through bore 94 of the drain plugadapter 18. The connecting member, of course, would have a through borelongitudinally extending therethrough to bring the oil pan interior intofluid communication with the branch through bore 94 and the centralthrough bore 92.

The central through bore 92 of the drain plug adapter 18 has first andsecond ends, 100 and 102 respectively. One end of the central throughbore is adapted to receive a drain plug 104. The other end of thecentral through bore is adapted to receive a hose or tube connectionfitting 106. Preferably, the hose or metallic tubular plumbingconnection fitting 106 is adapted to sealingly engage an end section ofthe plumbing as is commercially available and known in the plumbingconnecting art. The third hose or metallic tubular plumbing 88 isattached to the drain plug adapter 18 at the outlet of central throughbore 92.

While the invention has been described in detail, it will be apparent tothose skilled in the art that the disclosed invention may be modified.Therefore, the foregoing description is to be considered exemplary,rather than limiting and the true scope of the invention is that definedin the following claims.

I claim:
 1. An apparatus for changing oil in an internal combustionengine having an internal oil lubrication system with a main gallerypassage, an oil filter and an oil reservoir, the apparatuscomprising:means for evacuating fluid from said oil filter into said oilreservoir; means for removing fluid from said oil reservoir; means forintroducing fluid into said oil reservoir through said oil filter andinternal oil lubrication system; and an oil filter mounting bracketmeans for mounting said oil filter, said bracket means having a firstfluid passage for receiving oil from said engine and a second fluidpassage for delivering filtered fluid from said oil filter to said maingallery distribution passage.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, said bracketmeans further comprising a third fluid passage in communication withsaid oil reservoir for connection to said evacuating fluid means.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1, said oil filter mounting bracket means remotelylocated from said internal combustion engine.
 4. The apparatus of claim1, said oil filter mounting bracket means cast as part of said internalcombustion engine.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, said first fluid passagemeans further comprising an oil cooler.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising:means for recirculating fluid from said oil reservoirthrough said oil filter and internal oil lubrication distributionsystem.
 7. The apparatus of claim 2, said bracket means furthercomprising a fourth fluid passage in fluid communication with said oilreservoir for connection to the fluid removing means.
 8. The apparatusof claim 7, further comprising:valve means for selectively communicatingthe first fluid passage with the fluid introducing means and the fluidevacuating means.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, said fluid evacuatingmeans comprising:a source of compressed air; fluid passage meansinterconnecting the source of compressed air with said internal oillubrication distribution system at a position upstream of said oilfilter; and valve means for controlling communication of the source ofcompressed air with said internal oil lubrication distribution system.10. The apparatus of claim 8, said fluid removing means furthercomprising:pump means for drawing fluid from said oil reservoir of saidinternal combustion engine; and fluid passage means for connecting thepump means in fluid communication with an interior of said oil reservoirof said internal combustion engine to said special oil filter and drainmounting bracket.
 11. The apparatus of claim 2, said fluid introducingmeans comprising:pump means for delivering fluid into said oil reservoirof said internal combustion engine through said oil filter to said maingallery distribution passage; and fluid passage means for connecting thepump means to said internal oil lubrication distribution passage systemat a location upstream of said oil filter.
 12. The apparatus of claim 6,said fluid circulating means comprising:first fluid passage means influid communication with a lowermost interior portion of said oilreservoir; pump means for drawing fluid from said oil reservoir throughsaid first fluid passage means and for discharging pressurized fluid;and second fluid passage means for connecting the pressurized dischargefrom the pump means to said internal oil lubrication distribution systemof said internal combustion engine at a point upstream of said oilfilter.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:a drain plugadapter in fluid communication with an interior of said oil reservoir ofsaid internal combustion engine, the drain plug adapter having first,second and third ends with a fluid passage interconnecting each end withone another, the first end adapted to be sealingly received within adrain aperture of said oil reservoir, the second end adapted tosealingly receive a drain plug, and the third end adapted to receive aplumbing connection fitting for connecting the fluid removing means influid communication with the interior of said oil reservoir.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 10, further comprising:a drain plug adapter in fluidcommunication with an interior of said oil reservoir of said internalcombustion engine, the drain plug adapter having first, second and thirdends with a fluid passage interconnecting each end with one another, thefirst end adapted to be sealingly received within a drain aperture ofsaid oil reservoir, the second end adapted to sealingly receive a drainplug, and the third end adapted to receive a plumbing connection fittingfor connecting the interior of said oil reservoir in fluid communicationwith the fluid passage means.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11, saidbracket means further comprising a fourth fluid passage in fluidcommunication with said oil reservoir for connection to the fluidremoving means.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, said oil filter orientedalong a vertical axis within said mounting bracket.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 16, said oil filter comprising a positive flow check valve.
 18. Anapparatus for changing oil in an internal combustion engine having aninternal oil lubrication system having a main gallery passage, an oilfilter and an oil reservoir, the apparatus comprising:fluid supplypassage means having a fluid connection with said internal oillubrication system at an opening in said main gallery distributionpassage; fluid withdrawal passage means having a disengageable fluidconnection in fluid communication with a lower most portion of said oilreservoir of said internal combustion engine; first fluid supply passagemeans connectible with an external storage receptacle; first fluiddischarge passage means connectible with an external storage receptacle;pump means having inlet passage means and outlet passage means; firstvalve means for selectively connecting said inlet passage means withsaid fluid withdrawal passage means and with said first fluid supplypassage means; and second valve means for selectively connecting saidoutlet passage means with said fluid supply passage means to saidinternal combustion engine and with said first fluid discharge passagemeans.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising:compressed airsupply passage means for evacuating fluid from said oil filter; andthird valve means for selectively connecting said fluid supply passagemeans to said internal combustion engine with said outlet passage meansof said pump means downstream from said second valve means and forconnecting said fluid supply passage means to said internal combustionengine with said compression air supply passage means.
 20. The apparatusof claim 19, further comprising:second fluid supply passage meansconnectible with a second external storage receptacle; and second pumpmeans having an inlet passage in fluid communication with said secondfluid supply passage means and a discharge passage in fluidcommunication with said fluid supply passage means to said internalcombustion engine.
 21. An apparatus for changing oil in an internalcombustion engine having an internal oil lubrication system with a maingallery passage, an oil filter and an oil reservoir, the apparatuscomprising:means for evacuating fluid from said oil filter into said oilreservoir; means for removing fluid from said oil reservoir; means forintroducing fluid into said oil reservoir through said oil filter; saidoil filter comprising a base having inlet and outlet ports, an interiorchamber, an oil filter mounted in said interior chamber separating saidinlet and outlet ports; first check valve means disposed between saidinterior chamber and said inlet port to prevent fluid from flowing fromsaid filter interior to said inlet port; second check valve meansdisposed between the interior of said filter means and said outlet portfor preventing fluid flow from the interior of said filter means to saidoutlet port below a predetermined pressure; and means for mounting saidfilter in a vertical position such that the inlet and outlet ports aredisposed at the bottom thereof.
 22. The apparatus as defined in claim 21further comprising an oil filter mounting bracket means for mountingsaid oil filter, said bracket means having a first fluid passage forreceiving oil from said engine and a second fluid passage for deliveringfiltered fluid from said oil filter to said engine.